Sunshine State is from Toronto and their pop-acoustic sound and quirky narratives are quickly earning them fans in Canada, the US, UK, and Japan. Band members include, Aleza (vocals) and veteran Canadian musician, James Bryan (guitar/producer). James is a former member of The Philosopher Kings and Prozzak and is an award winning producer and songwriter who has worked with an long list of musicians, including Nelly Furtado, Fefe Dobson and Divine Brown. A few years ago, James was looking  for a different kind of voice to use on his solo album, Beautiful World (2005), and was blown away when his long-time friend Aleza sang for it.  The two took the album across Canada and started writing Sunshine State songs along the way.

Sunshine State’s self-titled debut album was released in May 2007 and since then they have been described as a “brilliant live show.” We talked with them about this, coming to Korea, and “Drug Dealer” – the song everyone is curious about.

The One One Four: The band was born shortly after Aleza sang for “Sunny Song” on Beautiful World. Is this just a coincidence? How did Sunshine State come to be the band’s name?

Aleza: It is a coincidence – but the name just felt right.

James: Everything about Aleza’s personality is sunny , so I guess it’s not a coincidence  that I thought of her for “Sunny Song,” and also that our band would have the word “sunshine” in the name.

How would you describe your album?

Aleza: People have said that it’s like listening to a friend talk over a good cup of coffee.  Comfortable, exciting, funny.

James: Confessional, musical, memorable.

You have a loyal fan base in Toronto, the UK and Japan, and you’ve done a club tour in L.A. What excites you the most about Sunshine State going international?

Aleza: The world feels like a smaller place.  A beautiful, intimate, smaller place.

James: New places, new friends, new inspiration.

Where else have you toured?

Aleza:  I got an amazing opportunity with James’ solo band to tour across Canada, but with Sunshine State we also went to London and L.A.

James: I’ve had a long and busy touring career prior to Sunshine State. With Nelly Furtado , I’ve played on the biggest stages around the world, and with my first band, The Philosopher Kings, I saw Canada a TON, the US a fair bit, Japan and Brazil. I’d love to travel all over the world with Sunshine State and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to get as far as Seoul!

Your songs are great stories. I read that they are actually accounts from Aleza’s personal life. Aleza, how do you feel about being so candid on the album and on stage?

Aleza: At first I was really shy about it.  Sometimes you think that people are going to judge you, or just not understand. I got more comfortable when I started talking to people after our shows, and found that a lot of them really felt our songs. Love, relationships, and work are a big part of everyone’s life, and I feel that because the songs are coming from a true place, people can really relate.

I’m sure you get this next question a lot. What’s the story behind “Drug Dealer”?

Aleza: Ha!  I do get this question a lot!  There was someone that I had my eye on for awhile, we were flirting… When I mentioned him to some of my friends, I found out that he was a drug dealer. My friends were shocked that I didn’t know, and a song was born.

James, are we going to hear one of your stories on a future album?

James: I’ve been a music nerd for most of my life, and am most comfortable behind my guitar, expressing myself that way. So, I think my personality is always coming out in the music, usually in contrast to Aleza’s story and voice.

What songs are you most proud of?

Aleza: I’m really proud of all of them!  Writing with James, I found my voice, and got to express myself in a whole new way.  I also love the fact that I got to talk about things, really personal things that were confusing or frustrating at the time, and just get them off my chest.  It’s true that the ‘truth will set you free’.  “Booty Call” is one of my favorites.

James: Whenever you write a song, you hope that other people can relate to it, and it seems a lot of people relate to our song “Day Job”, so I guess that’s a favorite. But my favorite song to play live is probably “Thank You for Leaving”. It’s a party.

James, you’ve worked with an impressive list of musicians/artists, can you choose a favorite?

James: I can’t go picking favorites, but I’ve had favorite moments with each . Of course, Aleza and I are great friends outside of the band, so that may give Sunshine State a bit of an edge.

Have either of you been to Korea before? What would you like to do – or get into – while you are here?

Aleza: I have never been to Korea, but all of my friends are advising me to shop!  I love Korean food, and am excited to hear and meet some of the Korean artists.

James: Eat some great barbecue, meet some great people, and have a great show!

How do you think playing in Asia will compare to performing in Toronto or L.A?

Aleza: It’s hard to compare cities, it all depends on the people and the venue. When our album came out in Korea, we got a lot of fans on Myspace asking for us to come and play, and I’m really excited to finally come and do a show.  I know that Korea has a really vibrant music scene, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it!

James: I remember how blown away I was playing in Japan years ago . The venue was perfect, the fans sang along to every lyric, everything about the experience was on a whole other level than what I’d previously experienced. So, if Korea is at all like Japan, my expectations are sky high.

What will people see/hear/feel at your show?

Aleza: They will see two people doing what they love, and having a great time doing it.  They will HEAR some amazing guitar, SEE a woman pouring her heart out, and FEEL great.

James: Expect to see Aleza’s beautiful smile and unique hand choreography, and my hands doing acrobatics on my guitar . Expect to hear your favorite Sunshine State songs with a live twist, and we hope you walk away feeling happier than you were before we played.

Sunshine State will be at the 2009 Grand Mint Festival on Saturday October 24th at Olympic Park. Check the website (English available) for ticket and location info.

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